AFC Bournemouth Match Preview

After back-to-back away games either side of the international break, West Ham United are back in front of their own fans for the first time since 10 March when AFC Bournemouth visit Stratford this afternoon.

The Hammers will hope to bounce back after their 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers five days ago, whilst also trying to get a first win since 27 February.

Andoni Iraola’s side will be making their second trip of the season to East London. They will want to gain revenge on their hosts after Jarrod Bowen’s late winner saw Julen Lopetegui’s side knock the Cherries out of the Carabao Cup back on August 28. With a trip to champions elect Liverpool to come next weekend, Graham Potter’s side must try and emulate that result here.

The hosts might fancy their chances too, as the visitors are currently suffering a dramatic loss of form. They haven’t won in five top-flight matches which included Wednesday night’s 2-1 home defeat to relegation-threatened Ipswich Town.

One factor in the home side’s favour here is that they have had one extra day to prepare.

Both Mohammed Kudus and Jean-Clair Todibo will be assessed after the pair missed Tuesday night’s game at Molineux with injury and illness respectively. If Kudus is fit enough to start, then he will take the place of Evan Ferguson after the Irishman finally made his full debut for the club. Should Todibo also be available however, then Konstantinos Mavropanos will also be benched.

Edson Álvarez is hoping to be restored to the starting line-up. Oliver Scarles and Aaron Cresswell are in line to retain their places, while Emerson Palmieri and Niclas Füllkrug could earn starts.

Luis Guilherme is likely to drop back to the bench ahead of a recall for Tomáš Souček in midfield.

The match is a 3pm kick-off and the referee is Tim Robinson.